Sway brace fitting

ABSTRACT

A versatile sway brace fitting, includes a pair of spaced jaws, for firmly and deformingly gripping a brace, and a method for manufacturing the fitting. The fitting can withstand substantial loads and is adaptable to receive a variety of braces such as bracing pipes, angle irons, channels, plates, among others. The fitting includes a set screw, preferably angled, and a sharp-cornered recess which assist in resisting withdrawal of the brace from the jaws. The method of manufacturing is desirably simple and expeditious, thereby ensuring that the fitting is inexpensive.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.09/929,602, filed Aug. 14, 2001, which is a continuation of U.S.application Ser. No. 09/301,299, filed Apr. 28, 1999, now U.S. Pat. No.6,273,372, issued Aug. 14, 2001, the entirety of each one of which ishereby incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] 1. Field of the Invention

[0003] The present invention relates to devices for bracing pipes andother loads, suspended below ceilings and beams, against sway andseismic disturbances, and, in particular, to a sway brace fitting forfirmly gripping a brace.

[0004] 2. Background of the Related Art

[0005] There is a multitude of products in the market utilized bybuilding and plumbing contractors for bracing and supporting pipes,ducts, sprinkler systems, fans, air-conditioners and other loads fromceilings and beams. These products include clamps, braces, hooks,straps, plates, brackets, among other items. There are various types ofbraces, for example, pipes, channels and angle irons, with pipes beingthe most commonly used. Typically, one end of a bracing pipe is attachedto the load utilizing, for example, a clamp or a bracket. The other endof the bracing pipe is connected to the ceiling or a beam. The manner inwhich this connection is made to the ceiling or beam and the componentsused are important in determining not only the load-carrying capacity ofthe brace but also influence the time and labor expended in installingthe brace.

[0006] There are many types of sway brace fittings and relatedcomponents in the prior art. One commonly used sway brace fitting hasfemale threads which engage one end of a correspondingly sized, threadedbracing pipe. Such a design limits the use of the fitting with threadedpipes only and can also restrict its load-carrying capability.Additionally, the use of a threaded pipe, as compared to using a similarunthreaded pipe, undesirably adds to the cost of the sway brace system.

[0007] Another popular sway brace fitting employs a nut-bolt combinationto secure the bracing pipe. This involves drilling a hole through thebracing pipe prior to installation. The bolt traverses the fitting andthe bracing pipe and is secured in place by the nut. Disadvantageously,the labor and/or time consumed by such an installation is an undesirableadditional expense.

[0008] Other sway brace fittings use a set screw which perpendicularlyengages the wall of a bracing pipe and, thereby frictionally retains thebracing pipe. Some of these fittings may alternatively employ set screwswith a cone point which perpendicularly digs into the bracing pipe wallfor additional load-carrying capacity.

[0009] While some of the above-mentioned prior art sway brace fittingsmay be attachable to braces other than a bracing pipe, such as angleirons or channels, this attachment would generally require the use of anadditional structural attachment component, thereby undesirably addingto the complexity and cost of the sway brace system and itsinstallation.

[0010] Thus, there is a need for a versatile sway brace fitting whichcan not only withstand substantial loads, but is also attachable to avariety of bracing members, is simply and expeditiously installable, iseconomical to manufacture and, hence, is desirably inexpensive.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0011] A sway brace fitting constructed in accordance with the presentinvention overcomes the afore-noted disadvantages by incorporating apair of spaced jaws which can accommodate a variety of braces, alongwith a set screw, preferably having a cone point and preferably beingangled, for securely and deformingly engaging the brace wall.Additionally, a yoke is incorporated with the sway brace fitting whichfacilitates attachment of the fitting to the desired surface.

[0012] The sway brace fitting is part of a bracing system used toprevent swaying of pipes and other loads suspended below ceilings andbeams. The fitting firmly grips one end of the brace while the other endof the brace is connected to the load. The yoke is used to attach thesway brace fitting to the ceiling or beam.

[0013] In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the swaybrace fitting comprises a clamp center plate, a clamp collar plate, aset screw, and a connector pin. The clamp center plate includes a firstjaw having a recess for receiving deformed material of the brace wallcaused by forcible engagement of the brace wall with the set screw. Theclamp center plate further includes a slot for receiving the clampcollar plate and for spacing and aligning the jaws to receive an end ofa brace. A support, which is preferably incorporated into the centerplate, is disposed adjacent to and above the center plate jaw andextends partially over the center plate first jaw.

[0014] Preferably, the clamp collar plate includes a pair of legs spacedby a slot having a closed end and an open end, and a second jaw with athreaded opening positioned substantially adjacent to the closed end ofthe collar plate slot. The collar plate legs are substantially U-shapedproximate to the open end and are aligned with a hole at one end of thecenter plate to receive a connector pin which couples the collar plateand the center plate.

[0015] The set screw preferably engages the collar plate threadedopening such that it is disposed substantially in line with the recessof the center plate and is threadably movable in the opening. The firstjaw recess preferably has a sharp corner which engages the deformedmaterial of the brace wall to resist withdrawal of the brace frombetween the jaws. Preferably, the threaded opening is angled, which inturn angles the set screw when it is engaged in the threaded opening.The angle orientation is such that when a tensile load is applied to thebrace, the set screw is forced more tightly into the brace wall.Additionally, the center plate preferably has an edge positioned closelyadjacent to the set screw which prevents movement of the set screw whena compressive load is applied to the brace. Moreover, the center platesupport resists bending of the collar plate second jaw andadvantageously orients a substantial portion of the applied loadparallel to the plane of the center plate. Preferably, the set screw hasa cone point for firmly lodging in to the wall of the brace, therebysecurely clamping the brace against the center plate first jaw.

[0016] The sway brace fitting of the present invention may bemanufactured by machining, casting or forging, but a preferred method ofmanufacturing the sway brace fitting includes stamping flat strips ofmetal into the desired shapes. A first strip of metal is stamped into agenerally rectangular shaped plate. The stamping includes punching anopening through one end of the plate, and punching a slot in an oppositeend of the plate to create a pair of spaced legs such that the slot hasa closed end which is spaced from but aligned with the opening. Theopening is threaded and the free ends of the legs are bent into agenerally U-shape to form a clamp collar plate.

[0017] A second strip of metal is stamped into a clamp center plate. Thestamping includes punching a hole at one end of the center plate whilethe other end is formed into a jaw which has a slot adjacent to it. Theclosed end of the collar plate slot is inserted into the slot in thecenter plate so that the hole in the center plate is aligned with theU-shaped ends of the legs of the collar plate and the closed end of theslot in the collar plate fits within the slot formed in the centerplate. A set screw is then threaded into the threaded opening of thecollar plate, and a connector pin may optionally be inserted into thehole of the center plate, to form a sway brace fitting including thecenter plate, the collar plate and the set screw. This preferred methodfor manufacturing the fitting is especially suited for automatedassembly lines, wherein the simplicity and speed of the manufacturingprocess produces a desirably inexpensive end-product.

[0018] In accordance with some embodiments, a sway brace assembly isprovided. The sway brace assembly generally comprises an attachment forconnection to a first support and a yoke for connection to a secondsupport. The attachment has a front portion and a rear portion andgenerally comprises a first jaw, a second jaw and a screw. The first jawhas a length and a tooth at a front end of the first jaw at the frontportion of the attachment. The first jaw has an unthreaded recesssubstantially adjacent to the tooth. The recess has an open top face anda closed bottom face. The recess has a length less than the length ofthe first jaw. The second jaw is spaced from the first jaw and ismechanically connected to the first jaw. The second jaw has a throughopening spaced from the tooth and near the front portion of theattachment. The opening has female threads. The screw is threadablymounted in the opening. The screw has a head at a first end and athreaded portion between a second end and the first end. The threadedportion has male threads engaged with the female threads of the openingof the second jaw. The screw is movable towards the first jaw and therecess of the first jaw so that the second end of the screw contacts thefirst support to clamp a portion of the first support between the firstjaw and the second jaw by forcibly gripping the first support betweenthe first jaw and the second end of the screw with the tooth of thefirst jaw engaging the first support. The yoke has a front portion and arear portion. The yoke is connected to the attachment by a connectorpin. The yoke generally comprises a passage at substantially the frontportion of the yoke which is substantially aligned with a passage of theattachment. The connector pin is received through the passage of theyoke and the passage of the attachment. The yoke further comprise a wallwith a hole for receiving a fastening component for connecting the yoketo the second support.

[0019] In some embodiments, the first support is a brace such as a pipe.In some embodiments, the second support is a ceiling, beam or wall.

[0020] In accordance with some embodiments, a sway brace attachment isprovided for connection to a first support for supporting a load againstsway and/or seismic disturbances. The sway brace attachment generallycomprises a first jaw having a length, a screw, a tooth on the first jawand a pin for connecting the attachment to a member attachable to asecond support. The screw is threadably movable towards the first jaw togrip the first support between the first jaw and the screw. The toothextends in a direction generally parallel to the screw. The tooth isadapted to interlock with the first support.

[0021] In accordance with some embodiments, a sway brace assembly isprovided. The sway brace assembly generally comprises a clamp of rigidmaterial. The clamp generally comprises a jaw on said clamp having alength, a screw threadably mounted on the clamp and a tooth on the jaw.The jaw has a front portion and a rear portion. The screw is movabletowards the jaw to grip a first support between the jaw and the screw.The tooth is at the front portion of the jaw. The tooth is spaced fromthe screw and extends in a direction substantially parallel to the screwfor engaging the first support. The sway brace assembly furthercomprises a for connecting the clamp to a second support. The membergenerally comprises a passage substantially aligned with a passage ofthe clamp for receiving a pin therethrough to connect the clamp and themember.

[0022] In accordance with one embodiment, a sway brace attachment isprovided. The sway brace attachment generally comprises a first jaw, asecond jaw and a screw. The second jaw is spaced from the first jaw andis rigidly connected to the first jaw. The second jaw has a threadedopening. The screw is mounted in the threaded opening and movabletowards the first jaw to clamp a brace between the jaws. A recess isformed on the first jaw and is adapted to receive deformed material ofthe brace displaced by the screw forcibly engaging the brace. The recesshas a center substantially aligned with the screw.

[0023] In accordance with another embodiment, a sway brace fitting isprovided. The sway brace fitting generally comprises a clamp with a bodyportion, a lower jaw and a screw. The lower jaw is on the body portionof the clamp. The lower jaw has an inner surface with a length. Thescrew has a threaded portion and is threadably mounted on the clamp. Thescrew is movable towards the inner surface of the lower jaw to grip awall of a brace between the lower jaw and the screw. A recess on theinner surface of the lower jaw provides clearance space for deformedmaterial created by the screw engaging the brace. The recess has alength smaller than the length of the inner surface of the lower jaw.

[0024] In accordance with yet another embodiment, a seismic fitting isprovided for connection to a support element. The fitting generallycomprises a first jaw, a second jaw and a screw. The first jaw has alength. The second jaw is spaced from the first jaw and mechanicallyconnected to the first jaw. The screw is threadably mounted on thesecond jaw and movable towards the first jaw to clamp a portion of thesupport element between the jaws. The first jaw has a recess with aclosed face generally defining the depth of the recess. The recess issubstantially aligned with the screw and has a length less than thelength of the first jaw.

[0025] In accordance with still another embodiment, a sway braceassembly is provided for connection to a brace for supporting a loadagainst sway and/or seismic disturbances. The sway brace assemblygenerally comprises a clamp of rigid material and a member attached tothe clamp for connecting the clamp to a support surface. The clampgenerally comprises a jaw and a screw. The jaw on the clamp has alength. The screw is threadably mounted on the clamp and movable towardsthe jaw to grip the brace between the jaw and the screw. The clampfurther comprises a recess on the jaw for receiving deformed materialcaused by the screw forcibly engaging the brace. The recess has a lengthless than the length of the jaw.

[0026] In accordance with a further embodiment, a sway brace system isprovided. The sway brace system generally comprises a brace and a clampof rigid material. The brace generally comprises a jaw engaged with awall of the brace and a screw having an end deformingly engaged with thewall of the brace. The jaw and the screw are on opposed sides of thebrace wall. The jaw includes a recess formed on an inner surface of thejaw. The recess contains deformed material of the brace caused by theengagement between the screw and the brace.

[0027] In accordance with another further embodiment, a method ofsecurely attaching a sway brace to a clamp is provided. The clampgenerally comprises a jaw and a screw threadably movable towards thejaw. The jaw of the clamp is positioned adjacent a wall of the brace. Anend of the screw of the clamp is positioned adjacent the wall of thebrace such that the screw and the jaw are on opposed sides of the wall.The screw is rotated to engage the wall of the brace. The wall of thebrace is gripped between the screw and the jaw with sufficient force todeform a portion of the wall into a recess formed on an inner surface ofthe jaw.

[0028] In accordance with yet another further embodiment, a sway braceattachment is provided. The sway brace attachment generally comprises alower jaw, an upper jaw and a screw. The upper jaw is spaced from thelower jaw to form a gap therebetween and is rigidly connected to thelower jaw. The screw is threadably mounted on the upper jaw and ismovable towards the lower jaw to clamp a portion of a brace between thelower jaw and the screw. The lower jaw comprises a recess. The recess isconfigured to receive deformed material of the brace displaced by thescrew forcibly engaging the brace.

[0029] Those of ordinary skill in the art will readily recognize theversatility of the present invention. The jaws of the sway brace fittingof the present invention are attachable to a variety of braces, forexample, bracing pipes, angle irons, channels, plates and the like.Additionally, the fitting described herein can reliably withstandsubstantial loads, is simply and expeditiously installable, iseconomical to manufacture and is desirably inexpensive.

[0030] Other specific provisions and advantages of the present inventionwill become apparent from a reading and study of the specification,claims and figures. As will be realized by those skilled in the art theinvention is capable of modifications in various respects, all withoutdeparting from the scope and utility of the invention as disclosedherein. Accordingly the specification and figures should be regarded asillustrative in nature, and not as restrictive.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a swaybrace fitting constructed in accordance with the teachings of thepresent invention;

[0032]FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the sway brace fittingof FIG. 1;

[0033]FIG. 3 is a partially sectional side view of the sway bracefitting of FIG. 1 illustrating the deformable gripping of the bracewall;

[0034]FIG. 4A is a schematic illustration of the sway brace fitting ofFIG. 1 mounted to a substantially horizontal surface;

[0035]FIG. 4B is a schematic illustration of the sway brace fitting ofFIG. 1 mounted to a substantially vertical surface;

[0036]FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of an alternativeembodiment of a sway brace fitting constructed in accordance with theteachings of the present invention;

[0037]FIG. 6 illustrates a preferred step during manufacture of thecenter plate of the sway brace fitting of FIG. 1; and

[0038]FIG. 7 illustrates a preferred step during manufacture of thecollar plate of the sway brace fitting of FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0039] Referring to the drawings, and particularly to FIGS. 1 to 3, apreferred embodiment of a sway brace fitting 10 constructed andassembled in accordance with the invention comprises a clamp centerplate 12, a clamp collar plate 14, a set screw 16, a bolt 24 and a nut26. The fitting 10 securely and deformingly grips a brace wall 64 of abrace 76. Additionally, a yoke 22 is incorporated with the sway bracefitting 10 of the present invention.

[0040] As schematically illustrated in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the sway bracefitting 10 is part of a bracing system 80 used to prevent swaying ofpipes and other loads, for example a pipe 76, suspended from ceilingsand beams. The fitting 10 firmly grips one end 82 of the brace 76 whilethe other end 84 of the brace 76 is connected to the load, for examplethe pipe 76. The yoke 22 is used to attach the sway brace fitting 10 tothe ceiling or beam.

[0041] As best shown in FIGS. 2 and 6, preferably, one end 11 of theclamp center plate 12 includes a first jaw 18 while the other end 13 hasa hole 30. The inner edge of the jaw 18 has a recess 28, including asharp corner 36, for receiving deformed material 66 (see FIG. 3) fromthe brace 76. The center plate 12 further includes a slot 32 forreceiving the collar plate 14 and an edge 34 which is located above therear of the first jaw 18. Preferably, a top corner 35 of the edge 34protrudes towards the end 11 so that the face of the edge 34 isprotrudingly angled with respect to the vertical axis of the centerplate 12, as best seen in FIG. 3. A support 33 is preferably included inthe center plate 12 and is situated adjacent to and above the slot 32and extends partially over the first jaw 18.

[0042] In the preferred embodiment, the clamp collar plate 14 (FIGS. 1to 3, and 7) includes a pair of legs 40 and 42 spaced by a slot 44having a closed end 45 and an open end 47 (shown in FIG. 7), and asecond jaw 20 with a threaded opening 38 positioned spaced from butclose to the closed end 45 of the slot 44. Preferably, the threadedopening 38 is angled so that its longitudinal axis of symmetry issubstantially parallel to the edge 34. The collar plate legs 40 and 42have substantially U-shaped portions 46 and 48, respectively, proximateto the open end of the slot 44. The engagement between the slot 32 ofthe center plate 12 and the slot 44 of the collar plate 14 spaces andaligns the first jaw 18 and the second jaw 20 for receiving the bracewall 64, and also disposes the threaded opening 38 in substantialalignment with the recess 28. Also, part 21 (see FIG. 3) of the secondjaw 20 adjacent to the closed end 45 of the collar plate slot 44 ispreferably disposed below and adjacent to the support 33 of the centerplate 12. Moreover, when the collar plate 14 is in engagement with thecenter plate 12, the U-shaped portions 46 and 48 of the collar platelegs 40 and 42, respectively, partially substantially circumscriberespective ends of the center piece hole 30. This allows the bolt 24 tocouple the center plate 12 and the collar plate 14 by traversing theU-shaped portions 46 and 48 and the hole 30. The collar plate 14preferably has a thickness which ensures a substantially comfortable fitinto the slot 32 of the center plate 12. Moreover, preferably the slot44 of the collar plate 14 is so dimensioned that it can comfortablyaccommodate the thickness of the center plate 12.

[0043] Preferably, the center plate 12 and the collar plate 14 arefabricated from hot-rolled low-carbon steel to meet the standards set bythe Underwriters Laboratories (U.L.), Factory Mutual Engineering (F.M.),and other such quality control groups. Additionally, the center plate 12and the collar plate 14 may have a plain or electro-galvanized finish.

[0044] The set screw 16 (FIGS. 1 to 3) is threadably movably disposed inthe threaded opening 38 of the collar plate. As a result of the opening38 preferably being angled, the set screw 16 is preferably angled aswell and in addition is preferably disposed substantially parallelyadjacent to the angled edge 34 of the center plate 12. Moreover, the setscrew 16 and its longitudinal axis are substantially aligned with therecess 28 since the threaded opening 38 is in substantial alignment withthe recess 28. Preferably, the set screw 16 includes a head 74, athreaded portion 75, and a cone point 50 for firmly lodging in to thebrace wall 64. The set screw 16 is preferably fabricated from a hardenedcarbon steel.

[0045] The yoke 22 (FIGS. 1 to 3) includes a pair of opposing side walls52, 54 which entertain holes 58, 60, respectively, and an end wall 56with a hole 62. The side walls 58, 60 are positioned over the U-shapedportions 46, 48 of the legs 40, 42, respectively, of the collar plate 14such that the bolt 24 traverses the yoke side wall holes 58, 60, theU-shaped portions 46, 48 and the center plate hole 30, thereby securingthe center plate 12 and the collar plate 14 to one another and to theyoke 22. The hole 62 of the end wall 56 facilitates coupling of the yoke22, and hence, the sway brace fitting 10, to an attachment component(not shown) affixed to a beam or ceiling.

[0046] Preferably, the center plate 12 is about 0.375 inches thick, andhas a maximum end-to-end length of about 3 inches and a maximum heightof about 2.25 inches. Preferably, the collar plate 14 is about 0.312inches thick, and has a maximum end-to-end length of about 3 inches, awidth of about 1.5 inches and a maximum height of about 1.030 inches.The distance between the opposing faces of the center plate slot 32 isabout 0.318 inches which ensures a substantially comfortable fit withthe approximately 0.312 inches thick collar plate 14. The width of thecollar plate slot 44 is about 0.385 inches, thus permitting asubstantially comfortable mating between the approximately 0.375 inchesthick center plate 12 and the collar plate 14. Preferably, the spacingbetween the first jaw 18 and the second jaw 20 is about 0.25 inches.

[0047] The maximum depth of the recess 28 of the center plate 12 ispreferably about 0.218 inches which is generally more than sufficient toaccommodate the deformed material 66 (see FIG. 3). The recess 28 has atop open face and a bottom closed face with the open face having aperimeter size about the same as or slightly larger than thecircumferential size of the threaded portion 75 of the set screw 16.Preferably, the edge 34 of the center plate 12 is angled at about 5°with respect to the vertical axis of the center plate 12, as best seenin FIGS. 3 and 6. Preferably, the threaded opening 38 of the collarplate 14 is angled at about 5° so that its longitudinal axis of symmetryis substantially parallel to the edge 34. As a result of the opening 38preferably being angled at 5°, the set screw 16 is preferably angled at5° as well and, hence is preferably disposed substantially parallelyadjacent to the angled edge 34 of the center plate 12. Preferably, thethreaded portion 75 of the set screw 16 is about 1.25 inches long andcomprises of standard ½-inch threads. Of course, those skilled in theart will recognize that these and other dimensions presented herein aredescriptive of a preferred embodiment, and that the present inventionmay be alternatively dimensioned with efficacy.

[0048] In use, the brace 76 is inserted between the first jaw 18 and thesecond jaw 20 of the sway brace fitting 10, as best illustrated in FIG.3. The spacing between the jaws 18 and 20 permits insertion of braceswith various wall thicknesses, though it is preferred that the thicknessof the brace 64 be about 25% to 75% of the jaw spacing. A torquingwrench (not shown) is used to tighten the set screw 16 against the bracewall 64 until the screw head 74 breaks off. This forcible engagement ofthe brace wall 64 with the set screw cone point 50 causes deformation ofthe brace wall 64 and results in the recess 28 receiving brace walldeformed material 66, thereby securely clamping the brace 76 against thecenter plate first jaw 18.

[0049] Advantageously, the sharp corner 36 (see FIG. 3) of the recess 28engages the deformed material 66 of the brace wall 64 to resistwithdrawal of the brace 76 from between the jaws 18 and 20. Hence, theincorporation of the recess sharp corner 36 provides supplementary meansfor ensuring that the brace 76 remains firmly lodged in place.

[0050] Referring again to FIG. 3, the angled threaded hole 38 and thesubsequent angling of the set screw 16 result in the set screw 16 beinginclined towards the mouth of the first jaw 18 and second jaw 20.Advantageously, this ensures that when a tensile load is applied to thebrace 76 the set screw 16 is forced more tightly into the brace wall 64,thereby effectively enhancing the gripping power of the sway bracefitting 10. Additionally, when a compressive load is applied to thebrace 76 the center plate angled edge 34 which is positioned proximateto the set screw 16 obstructs possible movement of the set screw 16 and,hence, prevents possible bending and/or buckling of the second jaw 20,thereby permitting the sway brace fitting 10 to be reliably used athigher loading.

[0051] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, 6, and 7, the simple manner in whichthe center plate 12 and the collar plate 14 fit with one anothercontributes to a desirable feature of the sway brace fitting 10,partially due to the center plate support 33. A substantial portion ofthe load applied perpendicular to the plane of the second jaw 20 of thecollar plate 14 is, supported by the center plate support 33.Advantageously, this load is favorably oriented parallel to the plane ofthe support 33, and thereby the center plate 12, which effectivelyimproves the strength of the sway brace fitting 10 and allows it towithstand higher loads. Additionally, the support 33 provides a strongphysical barrier which resists bending of the second jaw 20 of thecollar plate 14.

[0052] Therefore, the incorporation of the sharp corner 36 in the recess28 of the center plate first jaw 18, the preferably angled threadedopening 38 in the collar plate second jaw 20, the edge 34 of the centerplate first jaw 18, and the support 33 of the center plate 12 eachcontribute not only to enhancing the load-carrying capacity of the swaybrace fitting 10, but also provide a built-in safety redundancy whichadds extra degrees of security and reliability in use of the sway bracefitting 10. The preferred embodiment of the fitting 10 illustratedherein can safely withstand loads of over about 5000 pounds.

[0053]FIGS. 4A and 4B schematically illustrate the mounting of the swaybrace fitting 10 and the manner in which it may be used to brace a loadsuch as, for example, a pipe 78, against sway and seismic disturbances.Of course, the sway brace fitting 10 can alternatively be used forbracing other loads such as ducts, sprinkler systems, fans,air-conditioners, heaters, among others. The pipe 78 is fastened to thebrace 76 by using, for example, a clamp 68, though other types offastening devices may be used with efficacy. FIG. 4A illustrates thesway brace fitting 10 mounted on a horizontal surface 70, such as thatof a beam or a ceiling, via an attachment member (not shown) which isengaged with the yoke 22. Alternatively, as illustrated in FIG. 4B thefitting 10 may be mounted to a vertical surface 72, such as that of abeam or a wall.

[0054] The brace 76 shown in FIGS. 3, 4A and 4B can be a bracing pipe,an angle iron or a channel which has a wall 64 gripped by the sway bracefitting 10. Additionally, as shown in FIG. 3, the brace 76 may be aplate with a wall 64 lodged in the fitting 10. This exemplifies theversatility of the sway brace fitting of the present invention whereinit is adaptable to various types of braces. In contrast, conventionalsway brace fittings are typically restricted to a single type of braceand would need additional attachment components for accommodatingdifferent types of braces, thereby adding to the cost and complexity ofthe sway brace system and to its installation.

[0055] The sway brace fitting 10 of the present invention may bemanufactured by casting or machining, but a preferred method ofmanufacturing the sway brace fitting 10 includes stamping flat strips ofmetal into the desired shapes (see FIGS. 6 and 7). Referring to FIG. 7,a first strip of metal is stamped into a generally rectangular shapedplate 14″. The stamping includes punching an opening 39, preferablyangled, through one end of the plate, and punching an elongated slot 44in an opposite end of the plate to create a pair of spaced legs 40 and42 such that the slot 44 has a closed end 45 which is spaced from butaligned with the opening 39. The opening 39 is threaded to form athreaded opening 38 (see, for example, FIG. 2). The free ends 46′ and48′ of the legs 40 and 42, respectively, are bent along the lines marked86 and 88 (shown in FIG. 7), respectively, into a pair of generallyU-shaped portions 46 and 48 to form a clamp collar plate 14 (see, forexample, FIG. 2).

[0056] Referring to FIG. 6, a second strip of metal is stamped into aclamp center plate 12. The stamping includes punching a hole 30 at oneend 13 of the plate 12 while the other end 11 is formed into a first jaw18 and a support 33 for the collar plate second jaw 20. The first jaw 18has a recess 28 which in turn has a sharp corner 36, the first jaw 18having a slot 32 adjacent to it. The closed end 45 of the collar plateslot 44 (FIGS. 2 and 7) is inserted into the slot 32 of the center plate12 so that the hole 30 in the center plate 12 is aligned with theU-shaped ends 46 and 48 of the legs 40 and 42 of the collar plate 14. Ofcourse, alternatively, the center plate 12 can be inserted into the slot44 in the collar plate 14 (FIGS. 2 and 7) so that the hole 30 in thecenter plate 12 is aligned with the U-shaped ends 46 and 48 of the legs40 and 42 of the collar plate 14 and the closed end of the slot 44 inthe collar plate 12 fits within the slot 32 formed in the center plate.The set screw 16 (FIGS. 1 and 2) is then threaded into the threadedopening 38 of the collar plate 12 so that it is positioned adjacent tothe center plate edge 34, and optionally the bolt 24 may be insertedinto the hole 30 of the center plate 12 and the nut 26 threaded on tothe bolt 24, to form the sway brace fitting 10. With the bolt 24 sopositioned the plates 12 and 14 are then interlocked so that the jaws 18and 20 are spaced to receive a brace.

[0057] The above-described method is especially suited for automatedassembly lines, wherein stamping, punching and bending operations can beefficiently executed. The simplicity and speed of this manufacturingmethod results in an end-product that is economical to manufacture and,thus is desirably inexpensive. Of course, alternatively, the componentsof the sway brace fitting may be machined but this process is more timeconsuming and, consequently, more expensive.

[0058] In an alternative embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 5 asway brace fitting 10′ includes a clamp 12′ which is casted as a singlepiece. The clamp 12′ essentially unifies the clamp center plate 12 andthe clamp collar plate 14 (see FIGS. 1 to 3). The casted clamp 12′ issubstantially cannon-shaped, but is functionally substantiallyequivalent to the combination of the center plate 12 and the collarplate 14 of the fitting 10 as described hereinabove and shown, forexample, in FIGS. 1 to 3. The clamp 12′ comprises a first jaw 18′ with arecess 28′ which in turn includes a sharp corner 36′, a second jaw 20′with a threaded opening 38′, preferably angled, and a hole 30′ forreceiving the bolt 24 (see FIGS. 1 and 2). Since the relevant structureand operation of the sway brace fitting 10′ are substantially the sameas that of the fitting 10 (FIGS. 1 to 4), they will not be repeatedhere. In FIG. 5, like numerals refer to like members as characterized inFIGS. 1 to 4.

[0059] The utility and versatility of the present invention will bereadily apparent to those skilled in the art. The sway brace fitting ofthis invention can not only withstand substantial loads, but is alsoadaptable to a variety of braces, is simply and expeditiouslyinstallable, is economical to manufacture and, hence, desirablyinexpensive.

[0060] While the components and method of the present invention havebeen described with a certain degree of particularity, it is manifestthat many changes may be made in the specific designs, constructions andmethodology hereinabove described without departing from the spirit andscope of this disclosure. It is understood that the invention is notlimited to the embodiments set forth herein for purposes ofexemplification, but is to be defined only by a fair reading of theappended claims, including the full range of equivalency to which eachelement thereof is entitled.

What is claimed is:
 1. A sway brace assembly, comprising: an attachmentfor connection to a first support, said attachment having a frontportion and a rear portion, said attachment comprising: a first jawhaving a length and a tooth at a front end of said first jaw at saidfront portion of said attachment, said first jaw having an unthreadedrecess substantially adjacent to said tooth, said recess having an opentop face and a closed bottom face, said recess having a length less thansaid length of said first jaw; a second jaw spaced from said first jawand being mechanically connected to said first jaw, said second jawhaving a through opening spaced from said tooth and near said frontportion of said attachment, said opening having female threads; and ascrew threadably mounted in said opening, said screw having a head at afirst end and a threaded portion between a second end and said firstend, said threaded portion having male threads engaged with said femalethreads of said opening of said second jaw, said screw being movabletowards said first jaw and said recess of said first jaw so that saidsecond end of said screw contacts said first support to clamp a portionof said first support between said first jaw and said second jaw byforcibly gripping said first support between said first jaw and saidsecond end of said screw with said tooth of said first jaw engaging saidfirst support; and a yoke for connection to a second support, said yokehaving a front portion and a rear portion, said yoke being connected tosaid attachment by a connector pin, said yoke comprising: a passage atsubstantially said front portion of said yoke and being substantiallyaligned with a passage of said attachment, said connector pin beingreceived through said passage of said yoke and said passage of saidattachment; and a wall with a hole for receiving a fastening componentfor connecting said yoke to said second support.
 2. The sway braceassembly of claim 1, wherein said jaws comprise an integral unit.
 3. Thesway brace assembly of claim 1, wherein said passage of said attachmentis substantially at said rear portion of said attachment.
 4. The swaybrace assembly of claim 1, wherein said tooth extends substantially inthe direction of said second jaw.
 5. The sway brace assembly of claim 1,wherein said attachment and said yoke are pivotably connected.
 6. Thesway brace assembly of claim 1, wherein said first support comprises abrace.
 7. The sway brace assembly of claim 6, wherein said bracecomprises a pipe.
 8. The sway brace assembly of claim 1, wherein saidsecond support comprises a ceiling.
 9. The sway brace assembly of claim1, wherein said second support comprises a beam.
 10. The sway braceassembly of claim 1, wherein said second support comprises a wall.
 11. Asway brace attachment for connection to a first support for supporting aload against sway and/or seismic disturbances, comprising: a first jawhaving a length; a screw threadably movable towards said first jaw togrip said first support between said first jaw and said screw; a toothon said first jaw extending in a direction generally parallel to saidscrew, said tooth being adapted to interlock with said first support;and a pin for connecting said attachment to a member attachable to asecond support.
 12. The sway brace attachment of claim 11, wherein saidattachment further comprises a second jaw spaced from said first jaw andsaid screw is threadably mounted on said second jaw.
 13. The sway braceattachment of claim 12, wherein said attachment has a forward portionand said tooth is at said forward portion of said attachment.
 14. Thesway brace attachment of claim 13, wherein said first jaw has a recessadjacent said tooth.
 15. The sway brace attachment of claim 14, whereinsaid recess has a length less than said length of said first jaw andsaid recess has a closed bottom face.
 16. The sway brace attachment ofclaim 15, wherein said attachment has a rear portion with a passagethrough which said pin is received.
 17. A sway brace assembly,comprising: a clamp of rigid material, comprising: a jaw on said clamphaving a length, said jaw having a front portion and a rear portion; ascrew threadably mounted on said clamp and movable towards said jaw togrip a first support between said jaw and said screw; a tooth at saidfront portion of said jaw spaced from said screw and extending in adirection substantially parallel to said screw for engaging said firstsupport; a member for connecting said clamp to a second supportcomprising a passage substantially aligned with a passage of said clampfor receiving a pin therethrough to connect said clamp and said member.18. The sway brace assembly of claim 17, wherein said jaw has anunthreaded recess substantially adjacent to said tooth.
 19. The swaybrace assembly of claim 17, wherein said clamp and said member arepivotally connected.
 20. The sway brace assembly of claim 17, whereinsaid passage of said clamp is at a rear portion of said jaw.